RUNWAY: Michael Bastian SS12

After taking a season off to find new factories after he severed his contract with Italian designer and manufacturer Brunello Cucinelli, Michael Bastian returned to fashion week today with his eponymous line and we realized how much his presence was missed. He showcased his talent by sending Adonis-type models down the runway clad in clothes that hinted at nautical and western references.

Our favorite look was on Jonathan Marquez: it was nautical, 70s, and a bit country, all in one outfit and it worked. Bastian's ability to mix genres and references is his strongest asset and that is why he succeeded as a designer for Ralph Lauren and a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman before setting out on his own. Michael Bastian has had collaborations with Havaianas, the Brazilian sandal company, and Randolf Engineering, the eyewear company that help create the eyewear featured in this collection. Bastian is not done with fashion week, his collaboration with Swedish retailer Gant will show its SS12 collection on Wednesday.